Planning for special transport

The difficult journey over the Alps

When transporting goods by rail, there are specific regulations which define the permitted dimensions. If the entire object remains within the boundaries determined by the maximum load, then transport can take place without any problems.

Goods which exceed this boundary are known as out-of-gauge cargo. Planning the transportation of such cargo can be complicated and requires experienced experts who can access precise data for any potential obstacles on the transport route.

All objects close to the tracks in the SBB network route are regularly measured and recorded in a database. Individual objects close to the tracks, such as signals, masts, platform edges and roofs, are measured using the SPACETEC R2 system.

Tunnels pose a particular challenge. Older tunnels in particular tend to be very narrow, such that the entire surface has to be measured in order to reliably assess the clearance conditions.

Regular tunnel scans with the SPACETEC TS3

All tunnels in the SBB route network have been recorded using the SPACETEC TS3. The data is stored on a file server, so it is easy to clarify any questions related to clearance at any time.

The data management and organisation tool Tunnel Info makes it quick and easy to access the data for each individual tunnel. The analysis programs TuView, TuDrive and Tunnel Inspector are also on hand to clarify any questions concerning clearance or the condition of the structure. The image shows a virtual journey through the tunnel with a load whose cross section is illustrated by the blue line. Thanks to the coloured markings, any constrictions are immediately obvious. If the constrictions on the route are known, it is possible to figure out how the load can travel along the route, for example by shifting the load sideways on the special vehicle when travelling through the relevant constriction.